黄锦芳曰∶古人论虚痫之症，昼发责之阳跷虚损，用十补汤加益智仁；夜发责之阴跷虚损，用六味丸加鹿
角胶，或用紫河车、当归、人参。盖阳跷之脉，同阳维护背之阳。其脉起于足根中，上合三阳，从足太阳膀胱
经足外踝下五寸陷中申脉穴，从肩入颈，纠属目内 ，而合太阳，主持肌肉以上之表，通贯六腑，而使左右机
关敏速不滞。曰阳跷者，谓其所起、所循、所入、所止皆在阳之经也。是病则见跌仆倒地，身软作声而痫，及
或脉缓而伸为 。卫气不行于阴为不寐，脉则两寸浮细而紧，治当补其左右之阳。阴跷之脉，同阴维护腹之里，
其脉亦起于跟中，由足少阴肾别脉然骨穴，上内联踝，从股入胸腹，上至咽喉精明穴，合于太阳。阳跷与阴跷，
并荣于目，主持肌肉以下之踝，通贯五脏，而使左右机关敏速不滞。曰阴跷者，谓其所起、所行、所循、所入、
所至皆属阴之经也。是病则或语言颠倒，举止错误，及筋急而缩为螈，脉则两尺沉细而紧，治当补其左右之阴。余治
冯旭先病痫，昼夜俱发，外感全无，左右尺寸皆弹指，应作二跷俱损治之。用黄 二钱，人参一钱，当归二钱，
地黄二钱，紫河车四钱，益智仁一钱，白术一钱，山药一钱，服之而愈。若阳跷而兼阳维虚损，则于补中益气汤加
桂枝、益智。阴跷而兼阴维虚损，则于六味丸加鹿胶、鹿茸、人参、故纸、当归、河车、紫石英。此外，若
非两跷虚损之症，而挟火、挟痰、挟气、挟寒，则当随症随脉活泼施治，不可株守二方以误人也。
补心宁志丸，治痫症。天竺黄，另研如面，五钱；泥香，另研如面，三钱；天冬去心，酒洗蒸，二两；白
芍酒炒，三两；白茯神去心，四两；远志肉，甘草汁浸蒸，二两；麦冬二两；炙甘草六钱；旋复花一两五钱；
真苏子，研，一两；香附醋浸，晒干，童便拌，瓦上炒，三两；半夏姜汁拌，以明矾末少许同浸，二两；皂角
策去黑皮，酥炒去子，取末二两和匀，怀山药粉糊丸如豌豆大，朱砂一两为衣。每服三钱，用竹沥点汤下。
（《广笔记》。）
窦材治一人，病痫三年余，灸中脘五十壮即愈。又一妇病痫已十年，灸中脘五十壮愈。凡人有此疾，惟
灸法取效最速，药不及也。
张子和云∶一妇病风痫，自六七岁因惊风得之。后每三二年间一二作，至五七年五七作。逮三十岁至四十
岁，则日作，甚至一日十余作，遂昏痴健忘，求死而已。值岁大饥，采百草而食，于水滨见草若葱壮，采归煮
熟食之。至五更，忽觉心中不安，吐痰如胶，连日不止，约一二斗，汗出如洗，甚昏困。三日后遂轻健，病去
食进，百脉皆和。以所食葱访之，乃憨葱苗也，即本草藜芦是也。
龚子才治王大参子，年十八岁，患痫，每发即仆地吐涎，不省人事，少顷复苏，或一月一发，或两月发四
五次，已七年，遍医不效。诊之，六脉滑数，人迎紧盛，此气血虚而有寒痰壅并也。以追风祛痰丸加人参、当
归、黄连各一两，与安神丸二药兼服，未及半年而痊。后有数人，俱如此治而愈。
冯楚瞻治金氏子，年十四，患痫病。群医针灸不效，继之消痰镇坠，其发更且频。诊脉洪弦有力，而二尺
俱弱，此阴亏之极，孤阳不敛，火性上炎，僵仆诸候乃发，理所然也。消痰镇坠，不更耗阴分乎？乃令空心淡
盐汤，吞加味八味丸四五钱，以使真阳藏纳。然阳无阴敛，何能久藏？火无水制，难免浮越。随以重浊大料壮
水之剂，继之以助其封蛰之势，则水火得其所矣。下午乃服调补气血、养心清肺和肝之膏滋一丸。如是调理两
月，精神倍长，痫症不治而愈。加味八味丸方∶大熟地一斤，用八两清水煎汁去渣，将八两入汁内煮烂捣烂；
入淮山药四两，炒黄；牡丹皮四两，焙；白茯苓三两，人乳拌透，晒干焙；山萸肉四两，酒拌蒸，晒干焙；泽
泻二两，淡盐水拌，晒干炒；五味子二两，铜刀逐个切开，蜜酒拌蒸，晒干焙燥；牛膝三两，淡盐酒拌炒；肉
桂去粗皮，一两五钱；制附子一两五钱。用熟地膏加炼蜜为丸晒干，每早空心淡盐汤送服四钱，随服煎剂，使
阳藏而阴以秘也。煎方∶大熟地一两，丹参一钱五分，麦冬三钱，生白芍二钱，茯苓一钱五分，远志用甘草
水煮透一钱二分，牛膝三钱，五味子六分，灯心十根，莲子十粒，煎八分温服，于八味丸后。凡滋阴药，最忌
热服，热则走阳分，不能养阴，冷则直入肠中，又不能渗行经脉也。膏滋丸方∶酸枣仁炒熟，捣碎，四两；
归身酒炒，四两；熟地八两；钗石斛二两；白芍蜜水炒，三两；麦冬黄米拌炒，去米，三两；牛膝三两；远志
肉，甘草浓汁煮透，二两。先用建莲一斤，煎取浓汁三十余碗去渣，入前药煎取头汁，去渣熬膏。用人参三两，
白茯苓四两，各研极细末，入前膏内收成大丸，每枚重四钱，下午食远白汤化下一丸。
杨乘六治翁姓病痫症，每日至子时，必僵仆，手足劲硬，两目直视，不能出声，其状若死，必至午后方苏，
苏则言动依然，饮食如故，别无他病。如是者三年，略无虚日，遍治不痊。杨视其气色晦滞，口眼呆瞪，面若
失神，上下眼胞黑晕，舌红如无皮。脉则右关虚大而滑，右寸若有散意。曰∶此非痫症也，乃痰厥也，必因惊
而得。盖心为君主，惊则心胞气散，君火受伤，致脾土不生，中州亏损不能摄水，因而生痰，夫痰随气升降者
也。天地之气升于子，而降于午，人身亦然。当子时一阳生，其气上升，痰亦与之俱升，逢虚则入，迷于包络
之中，故不省人事，僵仆若死也。至午时一阴生，其气下降，痰亦随之同降，包络得清虚，而天君泰然，百体
从令矣。询之，数年前，果受惊几死。今因惊致损，因损致痰，然镇惊消痰，皆无益也。惟有补其火，养其包
络，俾其气不散，则痰不能侵扰而为害。且君火渐旺，则能生土以摄水，其痰不消而自消矣。养荣汤去远志、
枣仁、五味、白芍，一剂是晚即不发。五日连服十剂，皆贴然安卧。至晚留方而别。（因其病久而虚，故
治法如此，否则益锢其痰矣。）
薛立斋诊鸿胪王之室人，素有痫症，遇劳役怒气则发，良久自省。一日，因饮食劳役失宜，发而半日方省，
不能言语。或以为风中于脏，用祛风化痰顺气之剂及牛黄清心丸，病益甚。六脉浮大，两寸虚而不及本部，
不进饮食，曰∶此脾胃之气伤也。若风中于脏，祸在反掌。彼不信，仍用风药，后果卒。
刘宏壁治一女，年方及笄，忽染怪病，医莫能识。邀视，牙关紧闭，手足抽搐，目睛上瞪，昼夜两发。（非
痫而何？）苏后腹内搅痛，欲吐不得，冷汗淋漓。（皆肝木为祟。）察其邪不在表里，而在上下，上部有热。
下部有寒，胸胃互异，寒热交战。投以黄连汤，势渐杀。再数剂，辄颂更生。盖连以治热，姜以治寒，桂枝、
半夏祛风化痰，参、枣、甘草辅心和中，使正气创建，邪气分散，如心应手矣。
按∶痫症多由肝病，兼挟痰火。方中姜、夏以豁痰，连、桂以平肝，甘草缓肝而和脾，参、枣补脾而
壮肺，肺盛则木亦自平。刘用此获愈当矣。然目之为怪痰，而曰上热下寒，迨知其然而未知其所以然者也。
（阐发精透，医案中如此等方论不相关照者甚多，皆认证未真而适遇对症之方，因而获愈。故用方者，亦不
知所以获效之故也。）
黄锦芳说：古人论述虚痫（因虚损导致的癫痫）的症状，白天发作责之于阳跷脉（奇经八脉之一，主司肢体运动与眼睑开合的经脉）虚损，使用十补汤加益智仁；夜间发作责之于阴跷脉（奇经八脉之一，主司下肢内侧运动与睡眠的经脉）虚损，使用六味丸加鹿角胶，或者使用紫河车、当归、人参。大概阳跷脉，与阳维脉共同维护体表的阳气。该脉起于足跟中部，向上汇合三阳经，从足太阳膀胱经足外踝下五寸的陷中申脉穴开始，经过肩部进入颈部，联络目内眦，并与太阳经相合，主持肌肉以上体表的卫气，贯通六腑，使左右关节灵活敏捷而不滞涩。称为阳跷，是指它所起始、循行、进入、终止的部位都在阳经上。此脉发病则见跌倒在地，身体松软发出声音而发痫，以及有时脉象缓而伸展为痉证。卫气不能行于阴分导致不寐（失眠），脉象表现为两寸浮细而紧，治疗应当补益左右的阳气。阴跷脉，与阴维脉共同维护体内的阴气，该脉也起于足跟中部，由足少阴肾经别出的然骨穴，向上向内连接脚踝，从大腿进入胸腹部，上行至咽喉精明穴，与太阳经相合。阳跷与阴跷，共同滋养眼部，主持肌肉以下至脚踝的部位，贯通五脏，使左右关节灵活敏捷而不滞涩。称为阴跷，是指它所起始、行走、循行、进入、到达的部位都属于阴经。此脉发病则见言语颠倒，举止错误，以及筋脉拘急收缩为抽搐，脉象表现为两尺沉细而紧，治疗应当补益左右的阴气。我治疗冯旭先患痫病，昼夜都发作，完全没有外感症状，左右手寸关尺脉皆弹指有力，应当作为二跷脉俱损来治疗。用黄芪二钱，人参一钱，当归二钱，地黄二钱，紫河车四钱，益智仁一钱，白术一钱，山药一钱，服用后痊愈。如果是阳跷兼阳维脉虚损，则在补中益气汤中加入桂枝、益智仁。阴跷兼阴维脉虚损，则在六味丸中加入鹿胶、鹿茸、人参、故纸（补骨脂）、当归、河车（紫河车）、紫石英。此外，如果不是两跷虚损的病证，而是夹杂火邪、痰邪、气滞、寒邪，则应当根据症状和脉象灵活施治，不可死守这两个方剂而误人。
补心宁志丸，治疗痫症。天竺黄，单独研磨如面粉状，五钱；泥香（沉香），单独研磨如面粉状，三钱；天冬去心，酒洗后蒸熟，二两；白芍酒炒，三两；白茯神去心，四两；远志肉，用甘草汁浸泡后蒸熟，二两；麦冬二两；炙甘草六钱；旋复花一两五钱；真苏子，研磨，一两；香附醋浸，晒干，用童便拌润，在瓦上炒，三两；半夏用姜汁拌，以少许明矾末同浸，二两；皂角去皮，酥炒去子，取末二两与上述药粉混合均匀，用怀山药粉调糊制成如豌豆大的丸药，朱砂一两为衣。每次服用三钱，用竹沥水点入汤药中送服。（出自《广笔记》。）
窦材治疗一个人，患痫病三年多，灸中脘穴五十壮即痊愈。又一位妇女患痫病已十年，灸中脘穴五十壮痊愈。凡是人有这种病，只有灸法见效最快，药物不如灸法。
张子和说：一位妇女患风痫，从六七岁时因惊风得病。后来每两三年发作一两次，到了五七年发作五六次。等到三十岁到四十岁，则每天发作，甚至一天发作十余次，于是昏痴健忘，只求一死。正值大饥荒，采集百草食用，在水边见到一种像葱一样粗壮的草，采回家煮熟食用。到了五更天，忽然觉得心中不安，吐出如胶状的痰，连续几天不止，大约吐出一二斗，出汗如洗澡般，非常昏困。三天后病情减轻变得轻健，病去食进，百脉调和。询问所吃的葱，原来是憨葱苗，也就是本草中的藜芦。
龚子才治疗王大参的儿子，十八岁，患痫病，每次发作就跌倒在地吐涎沫，不省人事，片刻后苏醒，有时一个月发作一次，有时两个月发作四五次，已经七年，遍访名医无效。诊察其脉，六脉滑数，人迎脉紧盛，这是气血虚弱而有寒痰壅塞并聚。用追风祛痰丸加入人参、当归、黄连各一两，配合安神丸两种药兼服，不到半年而痊愈。后来有几个人，都这样治疗而痊愈。
冯楚瞻治疗金氏的儿子，十四岁，患痫病。众医针灸无效，继之用消痰镇坠之法，发作更加频繁。诊脉洪弦有力，但两尺脉俱弱，这是阴亏至极，孤阳不敛，火性上炎，僵仆等症状乃发作，这是理所当然的。消痰镇坠，难道不是更耗伤阴分吗？于是让他空腹喝淡盐汤，吞服加味八味丸四五钱，以使真阳藏纳。然而阳无阴如何能久藏？火无水制约，难免浮越。随即用重浊大料壮水之剂，继之以助其封蛰之势，则水火各得其所了。下午再服用调补气血、养心清肺和肝的膏滋丸一丸。如此调理两个月，精神倍增，痫症不治而愈。加味八味丸方：大熟地一斤，用八两清水煎汁去渣，将剩下的八两熟地放入汁内煮烂捣烂；加入淮山药四两，炒黄；牡丹皮四两，焙干；白茯苓三两，用人乳拌透，晒干焙干；山萸肉四两，酒拌蒸，晒干焙干；泽泻二两，淡盐水拌，晒干炒；五味子二两，铜刀逐个切开，蜜酒拌蒸，晒干焙燥；牛膝三两，淡盐酒拌炒；肉桂去粗皮，一两五钱；制附子一两五钱。用熟地膏加炼蜜为丸晒干，每天早晨空腹用淡盐汤送服四钱，随服煎剂，使阳藏而阴得以固秘。煎方：大熟地一两，丹参一钱五分，麦冬三钱，生白芍二钱，茯苓一钱五分，远志用甘草水煮透一钱二分，牛膝三钱，五味子六分，灯心十根，莲子十粒，煎至八分温服，在服用八味丸之后。凡滋阴药，最忌热服，热则走阳分，不能养阴，冷则直入肠中，又不能渗行经脉。膏滋丸方：酸枣仁炒熟，捣碎，四两；归身酒炒，四两；熟地八两；钗石斛二两；白芍蜜水炒，三两；麦冬黄米拌炒，去米，三两；牛膝三两；远志肉，甘草浓汁煮透，二两。先用建莲一斤，煎取浓汁三十余碗去渣，加入前药煎取头汁，去渣熬膏。用人参三两，白茯苓四两，各研极细末，加入前膏内收成大丸，每枚重四钱，下午食远后用白开水化下一丸。
杨乘六治疗翁姓患者患痫症，每天到子时，必定僵仆，手足劲硬，两眼直视，不能出声，其状若死，必须到午后方苏醒，苏醒后言动依然，饮食如故，别无其他病症。像这样三年，几乎没有一天例外，遍治不愈。杨观察其气色晦滞，口眼呆瞪，面色若失神，上下眼睑黑晕，舌红如无皮。脉象右关虚大而滑，右寸若有散意。说：这不是痫症，乃是痰厥，必定因惊吓而得。盖心为君主，惊则心包气散，君火受伤，导致脾土不生，中州亏损不能摄水，因而生痰，痰是随气升降的。天地之气升于子时，而降于午时，人身亦然。当子时一阳生，其气上升，痰亦随之俱升，逢虚则入，迷于心包络之中，所以不省人事，僵仆若死。到了午时一阴生，其气下降，痰亦随之同降，心包络得清虚，而心神泰然，百体听从命令。询问得知，数年前确实受惊几死。如今因惊致损，因损致痰，然而镇惊消痰，都没有益处。唯有补其火，养其心包络，使其气不散，则痰不能侵扰而为害。且君火渐旺，则能生土以摄水，其痰不消而自消矣。用养荣汤去掉远志、枣仁、五味、白芍，一剂当晚即不再发作。五日连服十剂，皆安稳卧睡。晚上留下方子告别。（因为其病久而虚，所以治法如此，否则会增加锢结其痰。）
薛立斋诊视鸿胪王之室人，素来有痫症，遇到劳役怒气则发作，良久自己清醒。一天，因饮食劳役失宜，发作后半天才清醒，不能言语。有人认为是风中于脏，使用祛风化痰顺气之剂及牛黄清心丸，病情更加严重。六脉浮大，两寸虚而不及本部，不进饮食，说：这是脾胃之气伤了。如果风中于脏，祸在反掌之间。他不相信，仍用风药，后果猝死。
刘宏壁治疗一个女孩，刚及笄之年，忽然染上怪病，医生都不能识别。邀请诊治，牙关紧闭，手足抽搐，目睛上瞪，昼夜发作两次。（这不是痫症是什么？）苏醒后腹内搅痛，想吐不得，冷汗淋漓。（都是肝木为祟。）察其邪不在表里，而在上下，上部有热，下部有寒，胸胃互异，寒热交战。投以黄连汤，势头逐渐减弱。再服几剂，辄颂更生。盖黄连以治热，干姜以治寒，桂枝、半夏祛风化痰，参、枣、甘草辅心和中，使正气创建，邪气分散，如心应手了。
按语：痫症多由肝病引起，兼挟痰火。方中姜、夏以豁痰，连、桂以平肝，甘草缓肝而和脾，参、枣补脾而壮肺，肺盛则木亦自平。刘宏壁用此方获得痊愈是正确的。然而称之为怪痰，又说上热下寒，等到知道其然而不知道其所以然的人很多。（阐发精透，医案中如此等方论不相关照者甚多，都是认证未真而适遇对症之方，因而获愈。所以用方者，也不知道所以获效的缘故。）
Huang Jinfang stated: The ancients discussed the symptoms of deficiency-type epilepsy (Xian Bing, epilepsy caused by deficiency). Daytime attacks are attributed to deficiency of the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Heel Vessel, one of the eight extraordinary vessels governing limb movement and eyelid opening/closing), treated with Shi Bu Tang (Ten Tonifying Decoction) plus Yizhi Ren (Alpinia Oxyphylla Fruit). Nighttime attacks are attributed to deficiency of the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Vessel, one of the eight extraordinary vessels governing medial lower limb movement and sleep), treated with Liu Wei Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) plus Lu Jiao Jiao (Deer Antler Glue), or alternatively using Zi He Che (Human Placenta), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root), and Ren Shen (Ginseng Root). Generally, the Yang Qiao Mai, together with the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel), maintains the defensive yang of the exterior. This vessel originates from the middle of the heel, ascends to merge with the three yang meridians, starts from the depression five cun below the lateral malleolus on the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian at the Shenmai (BL62) acupoint, passes through the shoulder into the neck, connects with the inner canthus, and merges with the Taiyang meridian. It governs the exterior above the muscles, penetrates the six fu organs, and ensures the agility and non-stagnation of left and right joints. It is called Yang Qiao because its origin, course, entry, and termination all lie within yang meridians. When this vessel is diseased, it presents as falling to the ground, body flaccidity with sounds during epilepsy, and sometimes pulse slow with extension indicating spasm (Jing Zheng). If Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) cannot enter the yin aspect, it leads to insomnia (Bu Mei); the pulse presents as floating, fine, and tight in both Cun positions. Treatment should tonify the yang of the left and right sides. The Yin Qiao Mai, together with the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel), maintains the interior yin. This vessel also originates from the middle of the heel, branches from the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian at the Ran Gu (KI1) acupoint, ascends medially to connect with the ankle, enters the thigh into the chest and abdomen, ascends to the throat at the Jing Ming (BL1) acupoint, and merges with the Taiyang meridian. Yang Qiao and Yin Qiao both nourish the eyes, govern the area from the muscles down to the ankles, penetrate the five zang organs, and ensure joint agility. It is called Yin Qiao because its origin, course, circulation, entry, and destination all belong to yin meridians. When this vessel is diseased, it presents as inverted speech, erroneous movements, and muscle spasms with contraction (Chou Yuan/Convulsion); the pulse presents as deep, fine, and tight in both Chi positions. Treatment should tonify the yin of the left and right sides. I treated Patient Feng Xuxian who suffered from epilepsy, attacking day and night, with no external pathogenic factors. The pulses at the Cun, Guan, and Chi positions on both hands were elastic and forceful. This should be treated as a dual deficiency of the two Qiao vessels. I used Huang Qi (Astragalus Root) 2 qian, Ren Shen 1 qian, Dang Gui 2 qian, Di Huang (Rehmannia Root) 2 qian, Zi He Che 4 qian, Yizhi Ren 1 qian, Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) 1 qian, and Shan Yao (Dioscorea Rhizome) 1 qian. The patient recovered after taking this prescription. If there is deficiency of the Yang Qiao combined with Yang Wei, add Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) and Yizhi Ren to Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction). If there is deficiency of the Yin Qiao combined with Yin Wei, add Lu Jiao, Lu Rong (Deer Antler), Ren Shen, Gu Zhi (Psoralea Fruit), Dang Gui, He Che, and Zi Shi Ying (Fluorite) to Liu Wei Wan. Furthermore, if the condition is not due to deficiency of the two Qiao vessels, but involves accompanying fire, phlegm, qi stagnation, or cold, treatment must be flexible according to symptoms and pulse. One must not rigidly adhere to these two formulas to mislead patients.
Bu Xin Ning Zhi Wan (Heart-Nourishing Spirit-Calming Pill) treats epilepsy. Tian Zhu Huang (Bambusa Textilis Internal Deposit) is separately ground into powder, 5 qian; Ni Xiang (Agarwood) is separately ground into powder, 3 qian; Tian Dong (Asparagus Root) heart removed, washed with wine and steamed, 2 liang; Bai Shao (White Peony Root) stir-fried with wine, 3 liang; Bai Fu Shen (Poria with Hostwood) heart removed, 4 liang; Yuan Zhi Rou (Polygala Root flesh) soaked in Licorice juice and steamed, 2 liang; Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber) 2 liang; Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice Root) 6 qian; Xuan Fu Hua (Inula Flower) 1.5 liang; Zhen Su Zi (Perilla Seed) ground, 1 liang; Xiang Fu (Cyperus Rhizome) soaked in vinegar, dried, mixed with child's urine, stir-fried on tile, 3 liang; Ban Xia (Pinellia Tuber) mixed with Ginger juice, soaked with a little Ming Fan (Alum), 2 liang; Zao Jiao Ce (Gleditsia Sinensis Pod) skin removed, stir-fried with butter, seeds removed, powder taken 2 liang and mixed evenly. Use Huai Shan Yao powder and honey paste to make pills the size of pea grains. Coat with 1 liang of Zhu Sha (Cinnabar). Take 3 qian per dose, administered with bamboo sap added to decoction water. (From *Guang Bi Ji*).
Dou Cai treated a man who had suffered from epilepsy for over three years. After moxibustion on the Zhongwan (CV12) acupoint for fifty moxa cones, he was cured. Another woman who had suffered from epilepsy for ten years was also cured after fifty moxa cones on Zhongwan. For anyone suffering from this disease, only moxibustion yields results quickly; herbal medicine is inferior.
Zhang Zihe said: A woman suffered from wind-epilepsy, contracted from convulsions due to fright since age six or seven. Later, she experienced one or two attacks every two to three years, escalating to five or six attacks every five to seven years. By age thirty to forty, she had daily attacks, even more than ten times a day. She became confused, forgetful, and sought death. During a great famine, she gathered wild herbs to eat. By the water, she saw a herb resembling green onion, which she gathered, boiled, and ate. At dawn (Wu Geng), she suddenly felt uneasy in her heart, vomiting phlegm like glue continuously for several days, totaling about one to two dou. She sweated profusely and felt extremely drowsy. Three days later, she felt lighter and healthier, appetite improved, and all pulses harmonized. Inquiring about the herb eaten, it was identified as Han Cong Miao (Wild Leek Sprout), which is Lili Lu (Veratrum Nigrum Rhizome) in Materia Medica.
Gong Zicai treated the son of Wang Dacan, aged eighteen, who suffered from epilepsy. Upon each attack, he would fall to the ground, vomit saliva, and lose consciousness, recovering after a short while. Attacks occurred once a month or four to five times every two months. This persisted for seven years without effect from various doctors. Pulse diagnosis revealed slippery and rapid pulses in all six positions, and a tight, full Renying (ST9) pulse. This indicated deficiency of qi and blood with accumulation of cold-phlegm. He prescribed Zhui Feng Qu Tan Wan (Wind-Chasing Phlegm-Expelling Pill) added with Ren Shen, Dang Gui, and Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome) one liang each, to be taken concurrently with An Shen Wan (Spirit-Calming Pill). Within half a year, he recovered. Several subsequent patients were cured with similar treatment.
Feng Chuzhan treated the son of the Jin family, aged fourteen, suffering from epilepsy. Acupuncture and moxibustion by other doctors were ineffective. Subsequent treatments with phlegm-resolving and sedating methods only increased the frequency of attacks. Pulse diagnosis showed surging and wiry strength, but weakness in both Chi positions. This indicated extreme yin deficiency, unanchored solitary yang, flaming upward fire, leading to stiff collapse and other symptoms, which is logical. Do not phlegm-resolving and sedating methods further deplete the yin? Therefore, he instructed the patient to take warm light salt water on an empty stomach and swallow 4-5 qian of Jia Wei Ba Wei Wan (Modified Eight-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) to anchor the true yang. However, without yin to anchor, how can yang remain stored? Without water to control fire, floating will inevitably occur. Subsequently, heavy and substantial yin-nourishing agents were used to assist the sealing and storing function, thus balancing water and fire. In the afternoon, a tonic paste pill regulating qi and blood, nourishing the heart, clearing the lungs, and harmonizing the liver was taken. After two months of regulation, spirit greatly improved, and epilepsy healed without specific anti-epileptic treatment. Formula for Jia Wei Ba Wei Wan: Da Shu Di (Prepared Rehmannia Root) one jin; use eight liang clear water to decoct, strain residue, then cook the remaining eight liang of Shu Di in the juice until soft and mash; add Huai Shan Yao four liang, stir-fried yellow; Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Bark) four liang, baked; Bai Fu Ling (Poria) three liang, mixed thoroughly with human milk, dried and baked; Shan Yu Rou (Cornus Fruit) four liang, mixed with wine, steamed, dried and baked; Ze Xie (Alisma Rhizome) two liang, mixed with light salt water, dried and stir-fried; Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Berry) two liang, sliced individually with copper knife, mixed with honey-wine, steamed, dried and baked dry; Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root) three liang, stir-fried with light salt wine; Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark) bark removed, 1.5 liang; Zhi Fu Zi (Prepared Aconite Root) 1.5 liang. Use Shu Di paste and refined honey to make pills, dried. Take 4 qian every morning on an empty stomach with light salt water, accompanied by decoction, to store yang and secure yin. Decoction Formula: Da Shu Di one liang, Dan Shen (Salvia Root) 1.5 qian, Mai Dong 3 qian, Sheng Bai Shao (Raw White Peony Root) 2 qian, Fu Ling 1.5 qian, Yuan Zhi boiled thoroughly with Licorice water 1.2 qian, Niu Xi 3 qian, Wu Wei Zi 0.6 qian, Deng Xin (Juncus Pith) ten roots, Lian Zi (Lotus Seed) ten grains. Decoct to 80% volume, take warm, after taking Ba Wei Wan. All yin-nourishing medicines must avoid hot administration; heat causes them to move to the yang aspect and fail to nourish yin; cold causes them to go directly to the intestines and fail to permeate the meridians. Paste Pill Formula: Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus Seed) stir-fried and crushed, four liang; Gui Shen (Angelica Body) wine-fried, four liang; Shu Di eight liang; Cha Shi Hu (Dendrobium Stem) two liang; Bai Shao honey-water fried, three liang; Mai Dong stir-fried with millet, millet removed, three liang; Niu Xi three liang; Yuan Zhi Rou boiled thoroughly in strong Licorice juice, two liang. First, decoct Jian Lian (Sacred Lotus Seed) one jin to obtain over thirty bowls of thick liquid, strain residue. Add previous herbs, decoct first extraction, strain residue, and boil into paste. Add Ren Shen three liang and Bai Fu Ling four liang, each ground to fine powder, mix into paste to form large pills, each weighing 4 qian. Dissolve one pill in white tea water far from meals in the afternoon.
Yang Chengliu treated a Mr. Wen suffering from epilepsy. Every day at Zi hour (11 PM - 1 AM), he would stiffly collapse, limbs rigid, eyes staring straight, unable to speak, appearing dead. He would not revive until Wu hour (11 AM - 1 PM). Upon revival, speech and movement were normal, diet unchanged, with no other ailments. This continued for three years without exception, resisting all treatments. Yang observed dull complexion, fixed gaze, expressionless face, dark circles under eyes, and red tongue lacking coating. Pulse: Right Guan position deficient, large, and slippery; Right Cun position seemed scattered. Yang stated: This is not epilepsy, but Tan Jue (Phlegm Syncope), likely caused by fright. The Heart is the monarch; fright scatters Pericardium qi and injures Minister Fire, causing Spleen Earth to fail to generate, leading to central deficiency failing to control water, thus generating phlegm. Phlegm rises and falls with qi. Heaven and earth qi rise at Zi and descend at Wu; the human body is the same. At Zi hour, one yang arises, qi rises, and phlegm rises with it. Entering deficiency, it confuses the Pericardium, causing loss of consciousness and stiff collapse. At Wu hour, one yin arises, qi descends, and phlegm descends with it. The Pericardium becomes clear, the Mind is calm, and the body obeys. Inquiry revealed severe fright years prior. Now, fright led to damage, damage led to phlegm. Calming fright and resolving phlegm are useless. Only tonifying fire and nourishing the Pericardium to prevent qi scattering will stop phlegm from invading. As Minister Fire strengthens, it generates Earth to control water, and phlegm resolves itself. Yang Rong Tang (Nourish the Vigor Decoction) minus Yuan Zhi, Zao Ren, Wu Wei Zi, and Bai Shao was prescribed. One dose stopped the attack that night. Ten doses over five days resulted in peaceful sleep. The prescription was left upon departure. (Since the disease was chronic and deficient, this treatment was appropriate; otherwise, it would have trapped the phlegm.)
Xue Lizhai diagnosed the wife of Honglu Wang, who had a history of epilepsy triggered by labor and anger, recovering after a long time. One day, due to improper diet and labor, she attacked and remained unconscious for half a day, unable to speak. Some attributed it to wind invading the zang organs and prescribed wind-dispelling, phlegm-resolving, and qi-regulating agents along with Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan (Calomel and Bezoar Heart-Clearing Pill), worsening the condition. Six pulses were floating and large; both Cun positions were deficient and weak. She refused food. Xue stated: This is injury to Spleen and Stomach qi. If wind invaded the zang organs, disaster would follow instantly. The patient did not believe him, continued using wind-dispelling drugs, and subsequently died suddenly.
Liu Hongbi treated a girl just coming of age, who suddenly contracted a strange illness unrecognized by physicians. Upon examination, jaw clenched, limbs convulsed, eyes rolled up, attacking twice day and night. (Is this not epilepsy?) After recovery, abdominal pain, desire to vomit but unable, profuse cold sweat. (All caused by Liver Wood pathogen.) The pathogen was neither in the exterior nor interior, but between upper and lower; upper had heat, lower had cold, chest and stomach conflicted, cold and heat battled. Prescribed Huang Lian Tang (Coptis Decoction), symptoms gradually subsided. After a few more doses, she recovered completely. Coptis treats heat, Ginger treats cold, Gui Zhi and Ban Xia dispel wind and resolve phlegm, Ginseng, Jujube, and Licorice support the heart and harmonize the middle, establishing righteous qi and dispersing pathogenic qi, achieving precise efficacy.
Commentary: Epilepsy often stems from Liver pathology, complicated by phlegm-fire. In the formula, Ginger and Pinellia resolve phlegm; Coptis and Cinnamon calm the Liver; Licorice moderates the Liver and harmonizes the Spleen; Ginseng and Jujube tonify the Spleen and strengthen the Lung. When Lung qi is strong, Wood naturally balances. Liu’s success with this formula was justified. However, labeling it "strange phlegm" and citing "upper heat, lower cold" shows knowledge of the phenomenon but not the underlying mechanism. Many case records lack such theoretical depth, succeeding merely by chance matching of formula to symptom, leaving practitioners unaware of why they worked.